It is no secret that our economy, both here in Queens and nationwide, has experienced a slowdown, affecting retail sales across the country.
Michael P. Niemira, the International Council of Shopping Centers’ chief economist, recently said, “With uncertainty about the economy, and the possibility of a recession, consumers have pared their spending.”
The United States Government’s Economic Stimulus Act, signed last week, includes 168 billion dollars to aid the economy. Much of this aid will come in the form of rebate checks of up to $600 per adult and $300 per child, sent to all American taxpayers in early May. Treasury officials hope this will boost consumer spending and confidence in the economy.
This week, The Shops at Atlas Park, under my direction, began our own economic stimulus plan, called The Atlas Solution.
We began giving away cash, in amounts ranging from $1 to $1,000, to random consumers, both on the streets of Queens and at our own Center.
Over the next six weeks, we will give away over $20,000 in cash, to inject our local economy with money and more importantly, to instill confidence back in consumers. Obviously, I hope those who win cash will spend it at our Center, but the essential idea is that rather than hoarding it in fear, people spend it or invest it somewhere.
I am also calling on my peers, owners in the shopping center industry in New York and nationwide, to join The Atlas Solution. We are giving away $20,000, which is 5 cents per square foot of our Center.
If every shopping center owner followed suit, and gave back 5 cents per square foot to local consumers, we would collectively inject an astounding $340 million dollars into the economy. If we want to increase consumer spending, what better place to give people money than at or near shopping centers?
Even if you are not a shopping center owner, you CAN make a difference in the economy. Spend some money. Better yet, invest some money. Start your own business, or give money to someone who needs it.
There are many ways to support the economy, and you can find out more on our website, theatlassolution.com. I sincerely hope you will join me in this effort, as we help to stimulate economic growth in Queens and beyond.
Damon Hemmerdinger is Director of The Shops at Atlas Park
Dear Legislators
Please continue your support of excellent health care for seniors. Reject long-term care budget cuts.
In the dark days of a world depression, Franklin D. Roosevelt said, “The test of our progress is … whether we provide enough for those who have too little.” In the midst of today’s economic challenges, one of the major tests we face is whether we will provide good health care for the elderly and disabled.
Budgetary investments in long term care must be measured against the “baby-booming” population of older adults; the public mandate for more and better long term care options; and the concomitant need for well trained caregivers and state-of-the art health care environments.
Please remember: for the past quarter century, nonprofit nursing homes have voluntarily made major improvements in quality of care, despite dramatic spikes in basic costs, outdated reimbursement formulas, and the increasing medical complexity of patients and residents.
With your support, dedicated professionals have innovated short-term rehabilitation, sub-acute care, medical and social model day care, and home health care options that help adults avoid more costly institutionalization and remain in their homes. For the frailest elderly, today’s nursing homes are centers of hope, alive with restorative therapy and enjoyable activity.
To a world in dire conflict, Roosevelt also said, “the future belongs to those who believe in the beauty of their dreams.” Together, we have envisioned a society that takes good care of its most vulnerable citizens - even in difficult times. Please reject long-term care budget cuts, and continue your support of excellence in the health care of seniors. We must fulfill our commitment to take care of those who cared for us, with the best health care and rehabilitation available.
Sincerely,
Michael N. Rosenblut
President and Chief Executive Officer
Parker Jewish Institute for Health Care & Rehabilitation
